SEMI-HOBOS JUMP TRAINS FOR CALIFORNIA MEETING

Hopalong Chet and Tramp Printer wouldn't dream of riding first class when they hit the road as weekend hobos. They'd sooner jump the freight trains their real-life brethren travel.

Printer, a journeyman newspaper printer, jumped a freight in Lake Charles, La., and headed for the National Hobo Association gathering here.They were among some two dozen hobo hobbyists in a bar Wednesday swapping stories about the thrills and dangers of hobo life, a sport that is catching on among professionals.

One 27-year-old corporate dropout known as Sacramento Kid said he got bored with "conforming in the world," quit his job at IBM and set out with a backpack.

"Big Train" Ron Rohlfes, 36, of San Francisco, said he hopped his first train on April Fool's Day.